A COMBINATION of soft ground and a blistering finish from Jack Berry-trained Garnock Valley denied local favourite Swan at Whalley his first win of the season at Musselburgh last night.

The four-year-old gelding, owned by Capt Harry Barlow, landlord of The Swan Hotel in Whalley, set the pace in the five-furlong handicap sprint.

But in the final surge to the finishing line, Garnock Valley, the 9-4 favourite, caught and passed a fading "Swan" who prefers firmer ground.

"John Carroll, Garnock Valley's jockey, told me afterwards that he would never have caught us if the ground had been firmer," said Capt Barlow.

"Our horse ran really well, leading all the way - I thought he'd do it in the second half of the race.

"It was a tremendous performance and it's just a pity he didn't hang on."

Swan at Whalley's form has improved substantially under new trainer Martyn Wayne after being removed from Jack Berry's stable in Cockerham near Lancaster.

"He's had two seconds and a third this season and we're hoping he goes all the way at Chester next week," said Capt Barlow.

"No doubt his fans will be there to cheer him on again."

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